Rainy day? Sunburnt and desperately seeking A/C? No matter the reason, even if you're not an art afficionado, make time to visit the Honolulu Academy of Arts, especially before Jan. 6, 2010, the last day of the Katsushika Hokusai exhibit. (It's also free that day, so no excuses!) 

For the first time in a decade, the Honolulu Academy of Arts is featuring Hokusai’s entire “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji” series, one of the museum’s masterpieces, and a gift from the late novelist James Michener. The Academy recently announced it will extend the exhibit to Jan. 6 (YAY!). The beautifully serene exhibition has to be one of my favorite series presented by the Academy in recent years. You can spend hours gazing at each print, getting lost in each intricate detail, and somehow imagining you're in Japan. The Academy is one of Oahu's great hidden treasures, and time spent there is always lovely and enriching. If you're looking to explore Oahu's diverse arts and culture scene, visit the Honolulu Academy of Arts. 

The exhibit features many of Hokusai’s most famous prints, including The Great Wave Off Kanagawa.

You can even try your hand at printmaking, as my pal Al proudly demonstrates here. 

The Honolulu Academy of Arts counts more than 50,000 pieces in its permanent collection and houses one of the finest collections of Asian art outside of Asia. It also features masterpieces from Europe, Africa, Oceania, The Americas, and of course, Hawaii. Outdoor dining at the Pavilion Cafe (where I recently enjoyed a terrific portobello mushroom sandwich and locally-grown green salad) and a stop at the gift shop are must-dos while at the Academy, Hawaii's only comprehensive fine arts museum. 

Honolulu Academy of Arts, 900 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96814. (808) 532-8700 or www.honoluluacademy.org

--RAP

When I was a little girl, I always dreamed of being a princess and living in a huge, grand palace. (Specifically, I wanted to marry Prince William and live in Buckingham Palace... A girl can dream, right?) Although that dream will never come to fruition, I did have the fortune of envisioning life as a royal during a recent visit to Iolani Palace, the only existing royal palace on U.S. soil. 

Having not visited Iolani Palace since I was a fourth grader at Manoa Elementary School (and really all I could remember from that visit was eating lunch on the Palace grounds - sad, I know), I wasn't quite sure what to expect.  From the koa wood fixtures, valuable vases and art pieces given to the monarchs from dignitaries from around the world, lavish ballrooms, and elegant furniture pieces, I was impressed by the grandeur that the Palace still expressed, as well as the modern appliances (well, modern for the 1800s) found throughout the residence.  

Upon entering the Palace, our lovely tour guide, Zita Cup Choy, asked us to envision ourselves arriving at the Palace as invited guests of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani.  Throughout our tour, I tried to imagine myself in an elegant, sweeping ball gown, enjoying a seven-course meal in the State Dining Room then dancing the night away in the crimson and gold Throne Room.

Despite the magnificence of the Palace, it is also laced with a sad history as it was where Queen Liliuokalani was unjustly imprisoned during the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.   I was saddened when Zita told us stories of Queen Liliuokalani's life under house arrest, unable to receive visitors or leave the Palace grounds.

Iolani Palace is definitely a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.  It offers glimpses into the lives of Hawaii's monarchs and reflects an important time in Hawaii's history.  www.iolanipalace.org 

-- MLT

One stroll around Ala Moana Center, and you'll know you aren't in Kansas anymore! Its balmy outdoor setting, tropical gardens, and koi ponds gracing the center's walkways make Ala Moana the loveliest mall of them all.

Need more proof? With 290 shops and 70 restaurants, the coolest thing about shopping at Ala Moana is the many stores that you won’t find anywhere else, and their wide range of merchandise. The center offers everything from Hawaiian gift items to surf apparel to custom Hawaiian heirloom jewelry.

To catch the latest in surf fashion—which is in style year-round on Oahu—head to locally owned Hawaiian Island Creations, Town & Country Surf Design or Sera’s Surf ‘N Shore. Other Hawaii and island-inspired products at Ala Moana Center include:

• Nordstrom's exclusive diffuser named "Ala Moana" (genius!). Night blooming jasmine, plumeria, tuberose, and gardenia create an intoxicating floral experience. Refreshing lush green notes and a crisp, clean infusion brighten this luscious scent.
• LeSportsac's half-dozen Hawaii-exclusive bags, some island print and some not.
• Philip Rickard's traditional and heirloom-worthy heavy weight 14k yellow gold Hawaiian bangle featuring deeply engraved Old English scrolling and the Hawaiian word for sweetheart—Kuuipo—written in high quality diamonds.  
• Chanel's classic metallic clutch with silver frame, for day to night.  
• Tiffany & Co.'s sterling silver lock charm with WAIKIKI imprinted on it.
• Sanrio's exclusive Hawaiian Hello Kitty merchandise, where suntanned Kitty is dressed in a hula costume and carries an ukulele.
• Martin & MacArthur, the leading practitioner of Hawaiian furniture and custom woodworking, offers heirloom quality koa wood furniture.
• Tori Richard, Kahala, and Reyn's feature the best in refined aloha and resort wear.

A collection of Hawaii-exclusive bags adorn the window of LeSportsac. 

I can literally spend hours upon hours shopping at Ala Moana Center, and still uncover special bargains, unexpected finds, and stuff that makes you go "Ooh!"

Could shopping in Hawaii be any more fun? Didn't think so.

--RAP 

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the most artsy person.  I definitely appreciate impressive art when I see it, but I don't always make the effort seek it out.  It was for this reason that until recently, I had still not been to Shangri La, despite hearing rave reviews from anyone who's ever been.

Well fortunately I found the perfect excuse to visit.  Oahu Visitors Bureau was assisting with the annual Arts with Aloha press trip, and several writers were interested in touring Doris Duke's gorgeous Shangri La estate, so I dutifully accompanied the ladies on a sunny Saturday afternoon.  We were lucky enough to have a private tour with one of Shangri La's most knowledgable and entertaining guides. 

All I can say is that I emerged from our tour with a much greater appreciation for art (particularly Islamic art) than I thought was even possible.  From the gorgeous oceanfront/Diamond Head location and painstaking attention to detail in every element, to the historical significance of each piece of artwork...well, it was absolutely stunning.

For more information on Shangri La, including Doris Duke's fascinating background, the history of the estate, or to take a virtual tour of the property, visit www.shangrilahawaii.org.  Regular tours are available through the Honolulu Academy of Arts.

--RDP